‘Ghostbusters 3′ Eyes Paul Feig to Direct, Will It Be a Female-Led Reboot [UPDATE]

Like some kind of restless spirit, 'Ghostbusters 3' refuses to die. Despite countless, massive setbacks that would have completely derailed a film with less name recognition, it keeps on lumbering forward, surviving countless abandoned screenplays. However, big news has arrived today, as Sony is reportedly eyeing director Paul Feig to take over the project, but the film will end up being a reboot instead of a sequel.

The Hollywood Reporter originally broke the news that the 'Bridesmaids' and 'The Heat' director is not only the studio's number one choice, he's actually interested in the project. Though no formal talks have happened (this is the kind of thing that could easily fall apart in negotiations), it's interesting that Sony has a director as well-liked as Feig in their sights to save a project that many think deserves a quick death. If anyone can change film fans' perceptions of 'Ghostbusters 3,' it's him.

UPDATE: THR amended their report and confirmed that 'Ghostbusters 3' will indeed be a reboot, likely with a female-led cast. Original article continues below.

Then there's the other wrinkle in this story. While Variety confirms that Sony wants Feig to direct, they claim he's not planning to helm 'Ghostbusters 3,' but instead a 'Ghostbusters' reboot that will replace the quartet of actors with women. The report also claims that the current script is being thrown out and the whole thing is getting rewritten from the ground up.

In some ways, this sounds like nonsense made up by someone who knows that Feig has found incredible success with female-driven comedies these past few years. At the same time, we definitely wouldn't put it past Sony to cut through all of the sequel nonsense and just hit the reset button. Heck, if they are going to remake a classic like 'Ghostbusters,' they might as well try something completely different.

And if the reboot news is true, that sound you hear is Dan Aykroyd weeping.

Sony declined to comment on either report, but we imagine we'll be hearing more soon. In any case, we know that the studio hasn't given up on the 'Ghostbusters' franchise yet. What happens next? We'll keep you updated.